Florida Legislature could split over new Senate map

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – The Florida House is proposing its own map for the state’s 40 Senate districts.

The House Republican in charge of redistricting announced Friday the House will consider a different map than the Senate’s.

The Senate narrowly approved its map earlier this week, making last minute changes to Miami-Dade County districts that some Democrats said were aimed at helping GOP incumbents.

Rep. Jose Oliva said the proposed House map will instead incorporates changes suggested by groups that sued the Florida Legislature.

A coalition of groups including the League of Women Voters of Florida contended that the current Senate district violate the state’s “Fair Districts” amendment adopted by voters. The Senate settled the case earlier this year and conceded in court filings that senators had violated the constitution.

The special session to pass a new map ends Nov. 6.